About Neptune Ngorongoro Lodge
With 20 cottages situated in lush, landscaped gardens facing a forested hillside on the doorstep of Tanzania’s ...
... UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the location of Neptune Ngorongoro is its prime advantage - just minutes from the main gate, offering seamless access to the Crater.
The location of Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge provides quick access to the Ngorongoro Crater – it's a five-minute drive from the lodge to the entrance gate of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. With smart, spacious accommodation, very good food using fresh ingredients, and real attention to detail, this a popular choice for many travellers.
Our view
The location of Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge provides quick access to the Ngorongoro Crater – it's a five-minute drive from the lodge to the entrance gate of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. With smart, spacious accommodation, very good food using fresh ingredients, and real attention to detail, this a popular choice for many travellers.
Tanzania expert
Accommodation
20 cottages
Children
Best for 6+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Neptune Ngorongoro Lodge
3 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 18 pictures of Neptune Ngorongoro to get the candid view.
View galleryNeptune Ngorongoro Lodge: Our full report
With 20 cottages situated in lush, landscaped gardens facing a forested hillside on the doorstep of Tanzania’s ...
... UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the location of Neptune Ngorongoro is its prime advantage - just minutes from the main gate, offering seamless access to the Crater.
Neptune's main area is a makuti-thatched, T-shaped, timber building, with a veranda wrapped around most of it. The sizeable interior appears more spacious because of high A-frame ceilings with exposed beams, although on a cloudy day it can seem rather dark. At one end of the 'T' is the reception desk and curio shop and at the other, the very good Acacia Restaurant. At the top of the 'T' is the Zebra Bar, with a wall-mounted TV, and the tail incorporates the lounge, furnished with leather-backed chairs and comfortable sofas. Double doors lead to an outdoor terrace. Large glass windows allow for a lot of natural light and make the most of the pretty mountain and valley views.
Neptune can arrange safari excursions for their guests into the nearby Ngorongoro Crater through a third-party supplier, but most travellers arrive with their own private guide and safari vehicle.
When you're not out on safari, you can relax by the immaculate, circular unheated swimming pool, read a book from the library, indulge in a treatment at the Earth & Rain Spa, browse in the small safari boutique, or enjoy a cocktail on the veranda, served from the Zebra Bar. For something a bit further afield, the choices include guided nature walks, as well as village and plantation visits.
With wooden floors and beamed ceilings throughout, each spacious cottage at Neptune has been created in the style of a log cabin, with a separate lounge, sizeable bedroom, dressing room, en-suite bathroom and private terrace. In the lounge, a roll-arm settee and two high-backed armchairs are set around a coffee table near the fireplace. A cushioned day bed in one corner could be converted into a child's bed, and there's also a writing desk, stocked minibar, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.
Each 130 square-metre (1,400 square ft) cottage has either twin single four-poster beds, or a kingsize bed, hung with mosquito nets, and an armchair with matching ottoman by the fireplace. The effect of the room's fairly masculine furniture is softened by cushions in richly coloured fabrics and African artworks.
Leading off the bedroom is a dressing room with luggage rack and large wardrobe, and a smartly tiled bathroom with twin basins, a walk-in shower and a separate flush toilet. Double doors open out from both the lounge and the bedroom onto a private deck furnished with a table and chairs as well as a big couch/day bed, with views over the wooded valley below.
Every requirement seems to have been thought of at Neptune Ngorongoro, with a hairdryer, torch, telephone, large digital safe, WiFi connection, battery-charging points, ceiling fans, hot-water bottles, umbrellas, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries, alarm clock, the option of a shoe-shining service and a pillow menu for your choice of headrest.
Cottages #1 – 5 are the closest to the main areas and cottages #19 and #20 are more private and usually reserved for honeymooners.
Geographics
- Location
- Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- We recommend a stay of at least two nights at Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge, to allow a full-day safari to the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Directions
- Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge is situated about three hours drive from Arusha, or about a one-hour drive from Lake Manyara airstrip.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- Meals are served in the Acacia Restaurant, either within the formal dining room, or on the outdoor terrace. We found the food here to be fresh and delicious because many of the ingredients are locally sourced; meat, fruit and dairy comes from the surrounding communities, while 70 per cent of the vegetables and herbs come from the lodge's own gardens.
Your breakfast table will be set with a mouth-watering basket of assorted filled danish pastries, croissants, doughnuts and rolls fresh from the oven, a fresh-fruit platter and chilled, freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juice. You'll then have the choice of cereal, muesli or porridge with full-fat, low-fat or soya milk, a cold-meat platter with crackers and fig jam, egg dishes such as eggs benedict with hollandaise sauce or scrambled eggs on hash browns, cinnamon French toast, pancakes or waffles.
Lunch usually comes in the form of a lunch box sent with you on your day's activity. You'll typically have three choices of fillings to choose from: meat, chicken, or vegetarian and a choice of a pasta or rice salad. On our last visit here we didn't have a chance to try the food, but on a previous visit we had Thai-chicken noodles, which were delicious.
Your dinner table will be set with a basket of fresh bread served with tasty dips such as spicy aubergine, guacamole and white lentil. You'll then choose your dishes from an à la carte menu. During our visit, there was a choice of five starters, including soup, salad, antipasti meat platter, pasta or risotto, five main courses, including red meat, chicken, fish or a vegetarian option, followed by a choice of three desserts and coffee or tea. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Yes, a room service menu is located in each cottage.
- Drinks included
- Juices, soft drinks, Tanzanian beer, selected South African wines, tea and coffee served during meals and at the bar are included. All other drinks, including cocktails, selected spirits and Champagne incur an additional cost.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome at Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There is no age limit
- Special activities & services
- Child minding is available at a cost of U$10 per evening. Parents must be aware that these are not professionally trained child-minders, but members of staff from the lodge.
- Equipment
- All the cottages have two day-beds which can be converted into extra beds for children. The lodge can arrange baby cots and high chairs on request and games and drawing books are available in the main area.
- Generally recommended for children
- Although Neptune does accept children of all ages we found it to have quite an adult atmosphere. The lodge is located on quite a steep site with lots of stairs and some of the rooms, despite having a solid balcony, had some steep drops to the ground below. We would recommend it for children aged six and above and that they be supervised at all times.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- A generator, in case of a power failure, backs up the mains electricity and comes on within about 10 seconds, while solar power is used to heat the water.
- Communications
- Each cottage has an internal phone and WiFi is available free of charge throughout the lodge. There is no computer available, so guests must bring their own device to access the internet.
- TV & radio
- The lodge’s bar has a wall-mounted TV, though it wasn't connected when we visited in April 2015. The TV in the staff canteen is where sports-mad guests usually congregate when big matches or major sporting events are taking place.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- An unlimited supply of bottled water is provided to all guests.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Neptune Ngorongoro's manager is trained in first aid, and there is a first-aid kit available at the lodge. The nearest doctor is in the small town of Karatu, about 15-minutes drive away where the Lutheran hospital has good doctors.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- There is a large, digital safe in each room for safe storage of valuables. There is a guard (askari) at the lodge gate, while others discreetly patrol the grounds on a 24-hour basis.
- Fire safety
- A detailed fire evacuation plan is included in each of the cottage’s room information pack. Fire extinguishers are fixed to the exterior of each cottage and staff have been trained in procedures in the event of a fire.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A full laundry service is available for an additional charge. Costs vary from about US$2–5 per item and clothes to be laundered are usually collected in the morning and returned at the end of the day.
- Money
- The lodge will normally exchange small amounts of Tanzanian currency for US dollars or euros.
- Accepted payment on location
- Payment in Tanzanian shillings, US dollars and euros is usually accepted, as is payment by Visa or MasterCard.
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Neptune Ngorongoro Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Neptune Ngorongoro.
Excursions from Neptune Ngorongoro
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Neptune Ngorongoro. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Crater Rim Walk
Half day - two hour walk
For some fantastic views, and the chance to see flora and fauna up close, take a walk along the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. Led by an experienced safari guide and accompanied by an armed ranger, you will be able to take in the scale and beauty of the landscape from a different perspective.
More about Crater Rim Walk
Empakaai Crater Hike
Half day, two - three hour walk
Spend a half day hiking through the Empakaai Crater, in the Highlands area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), led by an experienced guide and accompanied by a ranger.
More about Empakaai Crater Hike
Lake Manyara Safari
Half-day or full-day
Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park makes a great safari destination. Here, along with elephant herds and plains game, you’ll find jungle-like forests that are home to blue monkeys, a soda lake tinged pink by flamingos and some of Tanzania’s best birding.
More about Lake Manyara Safari
Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway
Usually one hour
Experience the forest of Lake Manyara National Park from a whole new perspective – high up in the trees. The first suspended walkway in Tanzania, it stretches underneath the canopy for 370m between the mahogany and fig trees, giving intrepid visitors a unique view of the surrounding flora and fauna.
More about Manyara Treetop Walk
Mto Wa Mbu Village Walk
Two to three hours
Discover the nuances of day-to-day life in the large Tanzanian village of Mto Wa Mbu with a knowledgeable local guide. This is not a village set up for tourists – Mto Wa Mbu is a real community and offers a chance to see a side of Tanzania that many visitors pass by.
More about Village Walk
Olduvai Gorge visit
One - two hours
See for yourself the renowned archaeological site of Olduvai (or Oldupai) Gorge, which lies en route between the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park. Famed for the discoveries of early hominin remains as well as the Laetoli Footprints, the site offers beautiful views, an engaging museum and potentially the opportunity to visit an active dig.
More about Olduvai Gorge visit
Olmoti Crater walk
Half day - two to three hour walk
Follow an ancient Maasai cattle trail on this private hike up the Olmoti Crater, led by an experienced guide and accompanied by an armed ranger. The crater may not compete in size with the neighbouring Ngorongoro Crater, but the birding is good, the mountain views wonderful, and the array of ferns is a botanist’s dream.
More about Olmoti Crater walk
Safari in Ngorongoro Crater
Typically a full day
To drive into the Ngorongoro Crater is to immerse yourself in a renowned wildlife park. Prides of lion and clans of hyena patrol amongst herds of zebra, wildebeest and Thomson’s gazelle, whilst flocks of crowned cranes keep out the way of jackals. Come for elephants with big tusks, too. And then there are the rhino…
More about Ngorongoro Crater safariOther lodges in Ngorongoro Crater
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Plantation Lodge
A relaxed base between Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara, Plantation Lodge has lush grounds and offers good value and high standards.
Gibbs Farm
Located not far from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Gibb's Farm has comfy rooms, homegrown food and strong community links
Lemala Ngorongoro
Lemala Ngorongoro is a small, comfortable tented camp on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater with lovely walking in the vicinity.
Entamanu Ngorongoro
Opened in 2016, Entamanu Ngorongoro is a small camp high on the Crater rim with views towards the crater and the plains of the Serengeti.
Crater Lodge
The ultra-luxurious Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is perched in a spectacular location on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater.
The Highlands
The Highlands is a unique camp near Olmoti Crater, north of Ngorongoro, offering drives, walks and cultural visits from a beautiful remote setting.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Situated on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, with outstanding views, the Sopa Lodge is a somewhat dated, international-style hotel.
Rhino Lodge
Rhino Lodge is a simple, good-value lodge with a great location near the crater rim, in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Farmhouse Lodge
Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge is set on a 750-acres working farm. Close to the NCA gate, it makes a great base for exploring the Crater.
Rhotia Valley Ttd. Lodge
Rhotia Valley is a simple lodge with a strong commitment to the local community, including a children's home, which guests may visit.
Ngorongoro Serena
The large, hotel-like Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge sits on the western rim of Ngorongoro Crater and has stunning views of the caldera.
Bougainvillea Lodge
Bougainvillea Safari Lodge provides an economical base from which to visit Lake Manyara or the Ngorongoro Crater.
The Manor
The Manor is a smart, family-friendly Cape-Dutch-style lodge, offering high-quality service and food in very comfortable surroundings.
Wildlife Lodge
Stay at the Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge while on road safari in Northern Tanzania's spectacular Ngorongoro Crater area.
Crater's Edge
Craters Edge is an intimate luxury property on the north-eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Lion's Paw
Located on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, this camp has stunning panoramic views down onto the crater floor. A five minute drive to the nearest descent gate allows for early access into the crater, maximising on avoiding the large crowds
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp
A small tented camp, located on the eastern side of the Ngorongoro Crater rim, with a five minute drive to crater descent gate.
Ngorongoro Fly-Camp
Explore the remote northern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater on a two-day hike and spend the night in this small fly-camp.
Country Lodge
Country Lodge is conveniently located on the edge of Karatu and provides a comfortable base for exploring Ngorongoro Crater or Lake Manyara.
When to go to Ngorongoro Crater
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Neptune Ngorongoro in Ngorongoro Crater
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Ngorongoro Crater in January
January marks the start of the short dry season. The Ngorongoro Crater floor is teeming with wildlife, offering excellent game viewing opportunities. The calving season for wildebeest begins in the nearby Ndutu Plains, attracting predators and providing exciting wildlife spectacles. Birdlife is vibrant, with both resident and migratory species present. The Lerai Fever Tree Forest is lush, attracting elephants and various bird species.
While the crater can be busy due to the New Year period, it quietens down later in the month. The Olduvai Gorge archaeological site is less crowded, allowing for a more intimate exploration of human evolution history. January offers good value for visitors, with pleasant weather and diverse wildlife sightings across the conservation area.
- Variable weather: clear, dry, or rainy
- Calving season in Ndutu Plains begins
- Excellent time for birding in the crater
- Great Migration gathers in southern areas
- Busy early month, quieter towards the end
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Ngorongoro Crater in February
February in Ngorongoro Conservation Area is characterised by warm, dry weather, making it an ideal time for game drives and hiking. The Ngorongoro Crater remains a wildlife hotspot, with large herds of zebras, wildebeests, and gazelles on the crater floor. The calving season continues in the Ndutu Plains, offering incredible opportunities to witness newborn animals and intense predator activity.
Birdwatching is excellent, especially around Lake Magadi, where flamingos and other water birds congregate. The Empakaai and Olmoti Craters provide serene hiking experiences with stunning views. February is also a great time to visit Maasai villages, as the dry weather makes travel easier. The Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli Footprints sites are less crowded, allowing for a more in-depth exploration of these significant archaeological areas.
- Hot and dry weather in the conservation area
- Peak of wildebeest calving in Ndutu Plains
- Crater and southern areas busy with tourists
- Lush green landscapes throughout the region
- Increased predator activity due to calving
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in February
Ngorongoro Crater in March
March sees the beginning of the long rainy season, though exact timing varies yearly. The Ngorongoro Crater remains accessible, with lush vegetation attracting diverse wildlife. As migratory animals start to disperse, game viewing can become more challenging but rewarding. The wildebeest migration may still be visible in parts of the conservation area. Lake Magadi and other water sources become increasingly important for wildlife, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities. The Lerai Fever Tree Forest is particularly beautiful during this time.
March is ideal for visiting the Olduvai Gorge, as the slightly wetter conditions can reveal fossils and artifacts. Cultural experiences at Maasai villages continue to be enriching. Some lodges may start to close for renovations, so it's advisable to check availability in advance.
- Hot with building humidity before rains
- Wildlife viewing varies as rains approach
- Quieter tourist season with lower rates
- Good for birding with migrant species present
- Great Migration begins to move northward
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Ngorongoro Crater in April
April is usually the wettest month in Ngorongoro area, with heavy rains transforming the landscape. The Ngorongoro Crater floor becomes a lush paradise, with wildflowers blooming across the grasslands. Wildlife viewing can be challenging due to the dense vegetation, but patient observers can witness unique behaviours. Lake Magadi swells, attracting numerous water birds, including flamingos. The Lerai Fever Tree Forest is at its most verdant, providing shelter for various animals.
April is an excellent time for photography, with dramatic skies and vibrant landscapes. The Olduvai Gorge and other archaeological sites may have limited access due to rain. While some lodges close during this period, those that remain open offer significantly reduced rates, making it an affordable time to visit for budget-conscious travellers willing to brave wetter conditions.
- Heavy rains with impressive thunderstorms
- Some lodges may close due to accessibility
- Lowest rates and very few other tourists
- Lush, green landscapes in the crater
- Not the best time game viewing due to dispersal
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in April
Ngorongoro Crater in May
As the month of May progresses, there begins a gradual decrease in rainfall, though the landscape remains lush and green. The Ngorongoro Crater floor is teeming with life, as animals take advantage of the abundant vegetation. Birdwatching is exceptional, particularly around Lake Magadi and the Lerai Fever Tree Forest. The Empakaai and Olmoti Craters offer stunning hiking experiences, with waterfalls and streams at their most impressive, though it can be muddy and slippery underfoot. Wildlife viewing improves as the month progresses and vegetation begins to thin.
May is an excellent time to visit the Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli Footprints, as the slightly damp conditions can reveal hidden fossils. Cultural visits to Maasai villages provide insights into how local communities adapt to seasonal changes. With fewer tourists, May offers a more intimate safari experience and the opportunity to enjoy Ngorongoro's beauty in relative solitude.
- Heavy rains continue with dramatic skies
- Quiet month, ideal for avoiding crowds
- Crater floor lush and green with long grass
- Wildlife more dispersed, fewer sightings
- Lower prices make safaris more affordable
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in May
Ngorongoro Crater in June
June marks the beginning of the dry season in Ngorongoro, with clearer skies and cooling temperatures. The Ngorongoro Crater becomes a wildlife haven as animals concentrate around remaining water sources. Game drives in the crater offer excellent opportunities to spot the Big Five. The Ndutu Plains start to dry out, concentrating wildlife and making them easier to spot.
Birdwatching remains rewarding, especially around Lake Magadi. The Lerai Fever Tree Forest provides a beautiful backdrop for wildlife photography. June is an ideal time for hiking in the Empakaai and Olmoti Craters, with comfortable temperatures and clearer trails. The Olduvai Gorge and other archaeological sites are easily accessible. As the shoulder tourist season begins, lodges reopen and offer a wide range of accommodation options.
- Variable weather: clear, dry, or some rain
- Wildlife starts to concentrate near water
- Parks still green but grass getting shorter
- Moderate visitor numbers in the crater
- Good value with shoulder season prices
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
Ngorongoro Crater in July
July is a prime month for visiting Ngorongoro, with dry weather and excellent wildlife viewing. The Ngorongoro Crater floor is bustling with activity as large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles graze on the short grass. Predator sightings, including lions and hyenas, are frequent. Lake Magadi attracts numerous flamingos and other water birds. The Lerai Fever Tree Forest provides shade for elephants and various bird species.
July is perfect for hiking adventures to the Empakaai and Olmoti Craters, offering breathtaking views. The Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli Footprints sites are easily accessible, providing fascinating insights into human evolution. Cultural visits to Maasai villages are particularly rewarding. However, the excellent conditions mean the area can get crowded, especially in the crater, so early bookings are essential.
- Dry and warm days, chilly mornings/evenings
- Excellent wildlife viewing in the crater
- Peak tourist season with high visitor numbers
- Higher prices due to prime conditions
- Book well in advance for crater lodges
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Ngorongoro Crater in August
August in Ngorongoro offers superb safari conditions with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. The Ngorongoro Crater remains the focal point, with dense wildlife populations and excellent visibility. Predator sightings are frequent, with lions, leopards, and cheetahs often spotted. Lake Magadi is a hive of activity, with large flocks of flamingos creating a pink spectacle. The Lerai Fever Tree Forest provides a picturesque setting for wildlife photography.
August is ideal for exploring the Empakaai and Olmoti Craters on foot, with stunning vistas and diverse flora. The Olduvai Gorge and other archaeological sites offer fascinating excursions. However, August is peak season, so the crater can be crowded, and advance bookings are crucial for accommodations and activities.
- Dry weather continues, chilly mornings
- Superb wildlife viewing opportunities
- Very busy, especially in the crater area
- Advance booking essential for accommodations
- Consider exploring less crowded areas
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Ngorongoro Crater in September
September in Ngorongoro offers excellent safari conditions as the dry season continues. The Ngorongoro Crater floor teems with wildlife, concentrated around remaining water sources. This month provides some of the best opportunities to spot the Big Five in close proximity. Lake Magadi attracts numerous flamingos and other water birds, creating spectacular scenes. The Lerai Fever Tree Forest is a haven for elephants and various bird species.
September is ideal for hiking adventures to the Empakaai and Olmoti Craters, with clear skies offering breathtaking views. The Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli Footprints sites are easily accessible, providing fascinating insights into human evolution. Cultural visits to Maasai villages remain rewarding. While still part of the high season, September tends to see slightly fewer visitors than July and August, especially as the month progresses, offering a more relaxed safari experience.
- Fantastic wildlife viewing continues
- Parks slightly quieter than peak months
- Crater floor becomes drier, less vegetation
- Cool mornings and evenings, warm days
- Prices remain high due to good conditions
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Ngorongoro Crater in October
October in Ngorongoro is nearing the end of the dry season, providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The Ngorongoro Crater floor is teeming with animals concentrated around diminishing water sources, offering frequent sightings of lions, elephants, and rhinos. Lake Magadi becomes a crucial water source, attracting diverse birdlife. The Lerai Fever Tree Forest provides essential shade for wildlife.
October is ideal for hiking in the Empakaai and Olmoti Craters, with clear skies offering stunning views. The Olduvai Gorge and other archaeological sites are easily accessible. With fewer tourists than peak months, October offers a balance of excellent wildlife viewing and more moderate visitor numbers.
- Mostly dry with chance of occasional storms
- Excellent game viewing in drier landscape
- Lower visitor numbers than earlier months
- Very good time to visit the crater
- Consider hot air balloon safaris for views
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Ngorongoro Crater in November
November in Ngorongoro typically sees the start of the short rains, bringing new life to the area. The Ngorongoro Crater floor begins to green, attracting diverse wildlife. Game viewing remains good, with animals still concentrated around water sources. Lake Magadi and other water bodies start to fill, attracting migratory birds. The Lerai Fever Tree Forest becomes lusher, providing shelter for various species.
November offers unique photographic opportunities with dramatic skies and rejuvenated landscapes. Cultural experiences at Maasai villages provide insights into seasonal adaptations. November can offer great value for money, with the chance to experience both dry and wet season conditions.
- Variable weather: clear, dry, or some rain
- Parks quieter, prices lower than peak season
- Good wildlife sightings as short rains begin
- Early migrants arrive in the crater area
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Ngorongoro Crater in December
December in Ngorongoro brings a mix of short rains and dry periods, creating a dynamic environment. The Ngorongoro Crater floor is lush and green, attracting diverse wildlife. Game viewing is excellent, with good chances of spotting the Big Five. Lake Magadi fills further, hosting numerous flamingos and water birds. The Lerai Fever Tree Forest is vibrant with new growth.
December marks the beginning of the wildebeest arriving into the nearby Ndutu Plains, attracting predators. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding with both resident and migratory species present. The Olduvai Gorge and other archaeological sites offer fascinating excursions between rain showers. While the festive season brings more visitors, early December can offer good value. Advance booking is essential for the holiday period.
- Variable weather with occasional rain
- Good game viewing in the crater
- Quiet early month, very busy end of month
- Prices rise sharply for holiday period
- Great Migration starts returning to the south
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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